MEPs adopt new measures for building decarbonisation

(Patria) - MEPs yesterday adopted measures to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector, previously agreed with the Council, the European Parliament announced.

The proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU's building sector by 2030 to make it climate-neutral by 2050.

Other goals include renovating the most energy-inefficient buildings and improving the exchange of information on energy performance, Hina reports.

Buildings used or owned by public authorities should be zero-emission by 2028, and from 2030, this should apply to all new buildings.

Member states will be able to take into account the global warming potential during the life cycle of buildings, which includes the production and disposal of construction products used for their construction.

When it comes to residential buildings, member states will have to introduce measures to ensure that by 2030, at least 16% of buildings see a reduction in average primary energy use, and by 2035, this will be achieved in 20-22% of buildings.

In line with the new directive and minimum energy performance requirements, member states will have to renovate 16% of the most energy-inefficient buildings by 2030, and 26% of them by 2033.

If technically and economically feasible, member states should gradually introduce solar installations in public and non-residential buildings, depending on their size, and in all new residential buildings by 2030.

Member states must adopt measures to decarbonise heating systems and phase out fossil fuel boilers in heating and cooling systems to completely phase them out by 2040.

From 2025, subsidies for stand-alone fossil fuel boilers will be prohibited. However, financial incentives will still be possible for hybrid heating systems, such as those combining a boiler with a solar thermal device or a heat pump.

Economic facilities and architectural heritage may be exempted. In addition, member states may also exempt buildings protected for their special architectural or historical value, temporary buildings, and religious buildings.

The directive was adopted at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg with 370 votes in favour, 199 against, and 46 abstentions.

To enter into force, it must be officially approved by the Council of Ministers, according to the Parliament's statement.

According to European Commission data, buildings in the EU account for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions.

On December 15, 2021, the Commission adopted a legislative proposal to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive as part of the "Fit for 55" package.

Thanks to the new European Climate Law from July 2021, the targets for 2030 and 2050 have become part of binding European legislation.